**The Australian government is expanding a social media ban to include YouTube, banning minors from creating accounts while still allowing video consumption.**
**Australia Enforces Social Media Restrictions on YouTube for Minors**
**Australia Enforces Social Media Restrictions on YouTube for Minors**
**The nation aims to enhance child safety online with a pioneering social media ban for under-16s.**
In a groundbreaking move, Australia's government has included YouTube in its unprecedented social media ban for children under the age of 16, abandoning a prior exemption for the platform. This ban, which is set to commence in December, will apply to popular apps including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Snapchat. While teenagers will be able to watch videos on YouTube, they will not be allowed to create accounts, which are necessary for engaging with content or uploading videos.
YouTube, owned by Google, initially argued against being restricted, claiming its platform is beneficial for young Australians and stating, "It's not social media," in a statement. Nevertheless, the new restrictions will tackle concerns around social media's impact on youth. Other countries, including Norway and the UK, are observing Australia's legislation closely, with potential future actions anticipated.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the government's commitment to child welfare, stating, "Social media is doing social harm to our children." He added that while this is not a comprehensive solution, it will contribute to safer online experiences for minors. Julie Inman Grant, Australia's eSafety Commissioner, recently advised including YouTube in the ban due to its prevalence as a source of harmful content for children aged 10 to 15.
In reaction to the decision, a YouTube spokesperson indicated that the platform would "consider next steps" and maintain dialogues with the government. Prior media reports suggested Google might take legal action against the government if YouTube's inclusion in the ban was enforced, citing potential infringements on political expression.
Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells acknowledged the necessity of balancing social media's role while protecting children from predatory algorithms. "We can't control the ocean but we can police the sharks," she stated, underscoring her resolve against any legal threats posed by tech giants. While online gaming, messaging, educational, and health applications will be exempt from the ban, failing compliance could result in fines up to A$50 million for tech companies. Further details regarding the implementation of this ban are anticipated to be presented to federal parliament soon.
YouTube, owned by Google, initially argued against being restricted, claiming its platform is beneficial for young Australians and stating, "It's not social media," in a statement. Nevertheless, the new restrictions will tackle concerns around social media's impact on youth. Other countries, including Norway and the UK, are observing Australia's legislation closely, with potential future actions anticipated.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the government's commitment to child welfare, stating, "Social media is doing social harm to our children." He added that while this is not a comprehensive solution, it will contribute to safer online experiences for minors. Julie Inman Grant, Australia's eSafety Commissioner, recently advised including YouTube in the ban due to its prevalence as a source of harmful content for children aged 10 to 15.
In reaction to the decision, a YouTube spokesperson indicated that the platform would "consider next steps" and maintain dialogues with the government. Prior media reports suggested Google might take legal action against the government if YouTube's inclusion in the ban was enforced, citing potential infringements on political expression.
Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells acknowledged the necessity of balancing social media's role while protecting children from predatory algorithms. "We can't control the ocean but we can police the sharks," she stated, underscoring her resolve against any legal threats posed by tech giants. While online gaming, messaging, educational, and health applications will be exempt from the ban, failing compliance could result in fines up to A$50 million for tech companies. Further details regarding the implementation of this ban are anticipated to be presented to federal parliament soon.
